HEAT Inks Deal with Del Monte Fresh Produce

MIAMI, January 17 – The Miami HEAT has entered into a multi-year partnership with Del Monte Fresh Produce, one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Del Monte Fresh Produce has been designated as the Official Fresh Fruit of the Miami HEAT. The partnership also includes extensive exposure on HEAT.com, the team’s social media pages, hospitality assets, courtside and LED signage, as well as exposure on MiamiMediaMesh.

Online, Del Monte Fresh Produce will host a weekly poll, the Fresh Fan Poll, where fans will be encouraged to vote on a fresh, new topic related to the team. The Fresh Fan Poll will be located on the “Fan Zone” Tab on the team’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/MiamiHEAT. In addition, Del Monte Fresh Produce will be the presenting sponsor of the “Fresh Question of the Week” which will appear in the news feed of the team’s 4.5+ million Facebook fans.

“We are thrilled to be associated with an iconic, championship sports organization who has not only become winners on the court, but off the court as well,” said Emanuel Lazopoulos, SVP N.A. Sales, Marketing and Product Management of Del Monte Fresh Produce. “This collaboration will reinforce the Del Monte® brand in South East Florida, where both organizations are based, and will help us in our local community involvement efforts. We will also have the opportunity to reach the millions of HEAT fans worldwide.”

To further promote its values of healthy living and good eating habits, Del Monte Fresh Produce will sponsor the HEAT Dancers Healthy Habits promotion exclusively on HEAT.com. Nutrition tips, recipes, and more will be available on all HEAT.com HEAT Dancer pages. HEAT fans who exemplify healthy living will be invited to share their photos and stories. Fans will also be able to register to participate in a future HEAT Dancer Boot Camp session.

“By supporting healthy eating and active living, it is clear that both organizations share important core values. The Miami HEAT is proud to be associated with the Del Monte® brand,” said Eric Woolworth, President of Business Operations for The HEAT Group.

Other activities in which Del Monte Fresh Produce will participate include:

• A retail promotion at a select Del Monte retailer with prizes to include tickets to a HEAT game.
• Sponsor of the 2012 Miami HEAT Family Festival as a food vendor.
• Sponsor of community events including the 2011 HEAT Thanksgiving Celebration and the 2012 HEAT Back to School event.